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Monthly Archives: October 2017

Last week was Bryn Mawr’s Fall Break. I returned to Western Massachusetts to spend time with my family and friends. One of the reasons I chose Bryn Mawr was its location, a bustling suburb town outside of Philadelphia. However, the mountains of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont remain a special place for me.

Apple trees in Vermont

Rosemont Park in the Spring

The walks in the woods reminded me of how enticing the trails around Bryn Mawr are. With a steady stream of homework, one of the ways I deal with stress is to take frequent walks. Refreshed after a walk, I can better tackle my homework.

Here are some of my favorites walks around campus:

Rosemont Park – If you only have five minutes, make time for the short stroll to this sunlit park in the late afternoon; ideal for reading or studying. From the far side of campus facing Brecon, turn left and walk along North Roberts Road until it meets Wyndon Ave., which will lead you to the park.

Haverford Nature Trail

The Haverford Nature Trail – Step off the blue bus and onto the Nature Trail. Especially majestic during the Fall when colorful leaves carpet the trail. However, the springtime brings goslings to the pond!

Green Engine Coffee Co.

Montgomery Ave to Haverford or to Ardmore – Make at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes for this walk. Montgomery Ave is more scenic than Lancaster Ave and will bring you to Suburban Square (and Trader Joe’s!) Need a walk and caffeine? Cross under the train tracks at the intersection between Haverford Station Road and Montgomery Ave. and arrive at Green Engine Coffee Co. where you can bring your books and settle in with the perfect latte.

Path to Haverford

Have a class at Haverford? Take a short cut. Walk along Lancaster Ave. past the Bryn Mawr Bakeshop until you find Old Buck Road on your right. This leads into Panmure Road which intersects with Buck Lane. Turn right and walk for a few yards on Buck Lane until you spot a little path across the street. The path is nestled between Walnut Ln and Panmure Road. There is no sign so it’s easy to miss. This path will take you to the entrance of Haverford College.

Study Abroad is one of the most exciting aspects of the college experience. Of the students who study abroad, the majority choose to study Fall semester of their Junior year. However, much of the planning for study abroad takes place Sophomore year. But first-years, it’s never too early! Here are some of my tips for preparing to study abroad:

One of the mysteries of Bryn Mawr is the seemingly endless amount of study spots that present themselves just when you need them. I like to think of them as Bryn Mawr’s equivalent to the “Room of Requirement.” I’m sure every Mawrter has their own special study spot: the nook by the window in Rockefeller; the bench under the willow tree across from College Hall; or the perfect sunny bench or cloister that always makes for a productive studying experience. Here are my 8 favorite study spots on campus:

#1 – Tables outside of Campus Center

#2 – Senior Row

#3 – Carpenter Beach

#4 – Pembroke-College Hall Walkway

#5 – The Cloisters

#5 – The Cloisters

#6 – Athena Statue in College Hall

#7 – The London Room

#8 – Rockefeller Common Room

#8 – Rockefeller Common Room

Photos by Nattalya Pacheco ’18

Tables outside Campus Center — Settle in with your laptop and a coffee from Uncommon Grounds.

Senior Row — Bring a book and sit in a patch of sun under a tree or enjoy the hammocks nearby, but make sure not to walk down Senior Row without looping around a tree once or you might not graduate! Beautiful in any season, but ideal in warm weather.

Carpenter Beach — A grassy spot within view of Rockefeller’s turret, perfect for picnicking, tanning and studying. Across from my favorite library: Carpenter.

The walkway between Pembroke West and College Hall — Glorious during the golden hour, just as the sun is setting.

The Cloisters — Accompanied by the pleasant gurgle of the fountain, a view of the stained glass windows and turrets of College Hall, you will feel like a Hogwarts student.

The Statue of Athena in College Hall — Take your homework and become inspired in the presence of Athena. Remember an offering…if you’re lucky, your prayers may be answered!

The London Room — A cozy room down a little corridor in College Hall with the most elegant windows and filled with books about England. Difficult to find which makes it all the more intriguing.

Rockefeller Common Room — Common rooms are lovely, they provide a change of perspective (and a piano!) without the need to leave your dorm. My favorite aspect: perched on the newels of the stairs are dignified carved owls.

About Me

I’m Hallie and as a Banter Blogger, I’m excited to share my senior Bryn Mawr experience with prospective and current students alike! I’m a senior French major from the Berkshires region of Massachusetts. I enjoy photography, traveling, reading, experimenting with recipes, and good coffee. As an off campus resident this year, I live in a lively apartment building in a cozy room with a bookshelf and a view of the clocktower of Taylor Hall. When I’m not in my room studying, you can find me exploring Philadelphia with friends, in College Hall or in Carpenter — my favorite library on campus. Join me for a slice of life at Bryn Mawr, my observations and adventures!